Highlights
Four months into the government's 2017 fiscal year, the deficit is little changed from this time last year, at $156.9 billion vs $160.4 billion. Details include a decline so far this fiscal year in corporate tax receipts and a decline in Medicare costs. January posted a surplus, at $51.3 billion.

Definition
The U.S. Treasury releases a monthly account of the surplus or deficit of the federal government. Changes in the budget balance reflect Federal policy on spending and taxation. The government's fiscal year begins in October.
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